Considering what it appears Chen and Gallardo are going to have to sign for, and what Kazmir did sign for, is the Leake signing starting to look like the worst FA contract so far? Seems like a pretty big overpay, even if he is only 28.

Paul Swydan

9:20

It was an overpay, and he isn't great, but he has been as reliable as a SP can be, and with a bunch of injury risks - Waino, Martinez, Garcia - that's what the Cards needed. Signing Kazmir would have just added another red flag to a rotation of red flags. Hard to see that as comforting, or wise.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:20

It is a bloated deal, but not horrible.

Lawrence

9:20

Alejandro De Aza will end up being the 4th OF for the Mets in my opinion. They can't be that stupid to have him facing RHP every day right? The window is now, and putting him out there basically helps slam it shut. Do you think they make a play for Fowler, Span, Jackson, or dare I say Cespedes (if he only gets 3 year offers)?

Jeff Zimmerman

9:21

I think the Mets will add another OF, but I could see them waiting out the market a bit.

Paul Swydan

9:23

Sorry. To answer, no, I think the Mets are done with outfielders.

Lebron

9:23

Who wins the AL central next year?

Jeff Zimmerman

9:24

Indians if the season started now. I think the Royals could if they add a SP and OF

Paul Swydan

9:24

For my money, this is the toughest division to read right now. I will say the Royals, just because I don't see a clear team, and they're the champs.

What if.......

9:25

If you had your own hour long regular show on the MLB Network, what kind of theme would your show have? And who would you want to be your co-host/sidekick?

Paul Swydan

9:26

If I had a whole hour, it would probably focus on deep dives on a specific play or game or team or season. Some contained entity. I would want an intelligent former pitcher around, to help explain pitching. Someone like David Cone.

9:27

Let's file that under "things that will never happen."

Jeff Zimmerman

9:27

Arod as my side kick. It would be 15 minute segments on a deep subject like how a player plans on stealing a base, why another player's curve is great, etc ..... and no HOF talk. Zero. None.

Ralph Wiggum

9:27

So...do you like stuff?

Paul Swydan

9:27

I do, Ralph. So many stuffs.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:28

No all stuff.

Ryan

9:28

Jeff, I had some fun with aging curves recently and was wondering - have people come around on the idea of the flat age 22 to 26 wRC+ curve? Checking back on your post about it in '13, there seemed to be a lot of disagreement in the comments.

Paul Swydan

9:28

Jeff?

Jeff Zimmerman

9:29

Some, especially for people looking at the data. I have seen quotes about teams saying it is true.

Dr Evil

9:29

If Upton was willing to take a 1 year deal (and take his chances in a much less crowded OF FA market next year), what would he get?

Jeff Zimmerman

9:29

$36M

Paul Swydan

9:29

He'd probably need $30+ million to take a one-year deal. I don't see that happening. These guys are all going to get paid just like we thought they would in November or December.

Matt(a)

9:30

Paul/Jeff - Your recognition of Cone/Rod as intelligent sidekicks makes me happy, and your thought on a show excite me even more. Let's get rid of the Dog, and Millar, and potentially cut the Greg Amsinger 6-hour power down a little and get you guys in a back-to-back 2 hour slot.

Paul Swydan

9:31

Haha, I'll make some calls. I'm sure that MLB Network is dying to have an overweight nerd in glasses host an hour-long show. :-)

Jeff Zimmerman

9:31

Doesn't everyone want a centaur as a sidekick?

infrinjinsin

9:32

Financial considerations aside, if you could draft either Kevin Maitan or Lazarito this July, who would you pick?

Paul Swydan

9:32

Wow, no idea. This is the first I've heard either name. Just posting this here on the off-chance I begin to remember these names for future reference.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:33

I am not up to date on either of those two.

9:33

BRB

Rated Rookie

9:33

Think Puig can rediscover success is LA? Does the "change of scenery" narrative have any purchase here?

Paul Swydan

9:33

I do believe that he can rediscover his success. Perhaps the change in manager will do him good. If not, then it may be change of scenery time.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:35

I agree with Paul

Matt

9:35

Theo should contact Billy about a Schwarber for Gray swap. Yes/No? Straight up, or who needs to add more?

Paul Swydan

9:36

I do like this idea, but I think Theo would need to kick in some more. But let's put it to a poll, why don't we?

Jeff Zimmerman

9:36

I think it is a good starting point for both sides.

Paul Swydan

9:37

Is Gray for Schwarber a fair trade?

Yes, it's fair straight up. (23.1% | 9 votes)

No, the Cubs need to kick in more. (59% | 23 votes)

No, the A's need to kick in more. (10.3% | 4 votes)

No, this trade won't work at all. (7.7% | 3 votes)

Total Votes: 39

Kirk Gibson HR Trot

9:37

What do you think of the AA hire by the Dodgers?

Jeff Zimmerman

9:38

A non-event right now. Maybe AA is setting up to take on a football team

Paul Swydan

9:39

The fact that his role is unspecified makes me think that this is a holding move for him. Similar to how Dipoto went to the Red Sox until he got his next GM job. The Dodgers can't call it "interim" for AA given the time of year, but that's what it seems like.